Paramedics who serve Vancouver Island are now better equipped to respond to emergencies, according to Island Health.

Paramedics who serve Vancouver Island are now better equipped to respond to emergencies, according to Island Health.

Blood products are now available to air ambulance paramedics based out of Parksville, meaning they can begin transfusions much faster than before if necessary.

Previously, blood products were not available to critical care paramedics in the Mid-Island. Instead, the products were dispatched from Vancouver International Airport.

Air ambulances will be equipped with two units of blood in a temperature-controlled cooler. If the blood is not used within four days, the units will be returned for use and replaced with two fresh units.